3D-printed keys open high-security handcuffs

A German security consultant and hacker named "Ray" has opened supposedly high-security handcuffs with 3D-printed
and laser-cut plastic keys.

During a workshop at the Hackers
On Planet Earth conference in New York, Ray successfully opened
handcuffs made by Bonowi and Chubb, both of which keep tight
control over distribution of their keys to stop them proliferating
outside of law enforcement circles.

Regular handcuffs can be
opened with keys that can be bought from survivalist
shops and police surplus stores, but the handcuffs used by law
enforcement can't be acquired from regular commercial sources.

Instead, Ray picked up a Chubb key on eBay and a Bonowi key
through an unnamed source. He measured them with calipers and then
created Cad models which he then used to reproduce the keys en
masse. He even created a key that can open both brands.

Ray attemped to create a key that could open the high-security
handcuffs from a third firm, Clejuso, but found that the plexiglass
wasn't strong enough to depress the internal springs -- he said
he's planning to try again using a stronger material instead.

While some might argue that Ray's actions are irresponsible, he
argues that the technology is already widely available to
criminals. However, in a concession to this viewpoint, Ray
declined to publish the Cad models of the keys online. He said that if he did, it would
affect real-world security, especially as these types of cuffs are
used as restraints for airplane passengers, and a plastic key could
easily be carried through security.

"If someone is planning a prison or court escape, he
can do it without our help," said Ray. "We're just making everyone
aware, both the hackers and the police."